July 1, 2026 (Southfield, MI) – Atwell today announced the acquisition of NEI Electric Power Engineering, Inc. (NEI), uniting two industry leaders to create an integrated platform for critical power and energy infrastructure. The combined team is equipped to support clients across the full project lifecycle, from site selection, routing, and development through engineering, construction support, and operations. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The creation of this national platform comes amid rising electricity demand driven by data center growth, electrification, and renewable energy development, trends that are placing increasing pressure on the nation’s power infrastructure and the engineering resources needed to deliver it.

Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Lakewood, Colorado, NEI is a recognized leader in transmission engineering, substation design, and power systems engineering. The firm’s more than 380 technical professionals serve utilities; renewable energy developers; industrials; hyper-scalers; engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors; and large-load infrastructure clients across 38 states.

“NEI has built a remarkable organization known for technical excellence and solving complex power engineering challenges,” said Matthew C. Bissett, President and CEO of Atwell. “Demand for power is outpacing the infrastructure to deliver it, and that gap is the defining challenge facing our clients. By combining NEI’s expertise in transmission, substations, renewable interconnections, and power systems engineering with Atwell’s capabilities in land development, permitting, surveying, environmental, and program delivery, we can move a project from raw land to an energized grid as a single integrated team. That means helping clients modernize the grid, expand transmission networks, integrate renewable resources, and meet growing power demands, while compressing timelines the industry has long treated as fixed.”

Atwell and NEI have successfully partnered on projects for more than a decade, giving the combined firm a proven working relationship and a delivery model built to reduce risk on complex infrastructure programs.

“Joining Atwell represents an exciting opportunity for our employees, clients, and the future of our business,” said Clifton Oertli, President and CEO of NEI. “For more than four decades, NEI has built its reputation on industry-leading expertise, trusted client relationships, and a commitment to delivering solutions through adaptation, collaboration, and innovation. Atwell shares those values. Our clients will continue working with the same trusted teams while gaining access to expanded resources, additional services, and a nationwide network of expertise.”

The combined platform positions Atwell among the leading firms serving the fastest-growing segments of the power and energy market, from data center development to grid modernization and transmission expansion across North America. Moreover, it will drive the Atwell flywheel across land development and infrastructure, where projects benefit from similar expertise.

For Atwell, Morrissey Goodale served as financial advisor, and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP served as legal counsel. For NEI, Black Iron Advisers served as financial advisor, and Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP served as legal counsel.

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Related Digital is advancing a $16 billion hyperscale data center campus in Saline Township, Michigan, developed for Oracle and marking the largest capital investment in the state’s history. The more than 1,000-megawatt campus will help expand advanced artificial intelligence and cloud computing capabilities for Oracle and Open AI.

Atwell is supporting the project with concept planning, due diligence, land surveying, civil engineering, wetland permitting, landscape architecture, and construction management services. Our team is helping move this large-scale development from early planning through execution while supporting the infrastructure needed for long-term growth and innovation.

“Projects of this scale require strong collaboration and thoughtful planning from day one,” said Eric Lord, Vice President at Atwell. “We’re excited to help deliver the infrastructure needed to support long-term innovation and growth in Michigan.”

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Blaze brings more than two decades of experience leading multidisciplinary surveying teams and delivering complex projects across land and infrastructure development with top engineering consultant firms. In his new role at Atwell, he will help drive our continued expansion, providing operational leadership, supporting project execution, and fostering strong client relationships. Blaze will also play a key role in developing talent and growing teams in strategic markets aligned with Atwell’s long-term growth strategy.

A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Blaze combines technical expertise with a disciplined, mission-driven approach to project delivery. His experience spans project types ranging from Government to environmental and major land development, boundary, topographic, and easement mapping, as well as bathymetric, and aerial surveying, leveraging technologies such as LiDAR, SLAM, and indoor mobile mapping.

Blaze holds a Master of Science in Survey Engineering Technology and a Bachelor of Science with a minor in Cadastral Land Surveying. He is a Licensed Land Surveyor (LLS) in Connecticut, a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) in Maine, and Rhode Island, and a Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS) in Pennsylvania.

With Blaze joining the team, Atwell is well positioned to continue expanding its survey presence in key markets, supporting clients with innovative solutions while investing in the people and partnerships that drive long-term success.

Please join us in welcoming Chris Blaze, MS, LLS, PLS, RPLS, to Atwell.

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This recognition celebrates a firm’s continuous commitment to cultural excellence and the employee experience, including workplace practices, benefits, retention rates, compensation, performance recognition, and professional development. The distinctions are largely influenced by the firm’s employees, who complete a survey about their experiences and opinions of their workplace.

Atwell was also recognized as #22 on Zweig Group’s 2026 Hot Firm List, moving up eight spots from #30 in 2025. The Hot Firm List recognizes the 100 fastest-growing architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms in the United States and Canada based on revenue growth and overall performance.

We thank our team members for their dedication and expertise, and our clients for the trust they place in us as a partner. Together, they drive our growth, strengthen our culture, and help us deliver meaningful results for the communities we serve.

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Atwell is pleased to welcome Brad Agius as a Director in its Environmental Services group. Agius brings more than 20 years of experience in renewable energy development and environmental consulting, with a focus on permitting, natural resources, and project delivery. In his role at Atwell, Agius will support environmental services initiatives while leading cross-functional teams, driving client relationships, managing budgeting, business development, strategic planning, and QA/QC oversight.

Throughout his career, Agius has supported more than 300 projects across 26 states, contributing to over 15 gigawatts of solar, wind, and battery energy storage development. His experience includes both distributed generation and utility-scale projects, where he has led efforts from early-stage due diligence through permitting and construction.

He has extensive experience in environmental permitting; wetland delineation; surveys of rare, threatened, and endangered species; and geospatial analysis. Agius has also managed multidisciplinary teams and development partnerships across multiple regions, supporting project execution, regulatory compliance, and successful delivery to commercial operation.

Agius holds a Master of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Science in Marine and Freshwater Biology. He is also a certified Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) and Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP).

Please join us in welcoming Brad Agius, GISP, PWS, to Atwell.

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Thanks to the continued dedication of our talented team and our clients, Engineering News-Record (ENR) has ranked Atwell #70 on the 2026 list of Top 500 Design Firms. Each year, firms across the country are evaluated based on key factors such as new initiatives, active projects, and overall revenue growth.

We are proud to be recognized among the top firms in our industry and remain committed to delivering exceptional results for our clients while continuing to build on our momentum.

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We’re proud to share that Matthew C. Bissett, Chief Executive Officer and President of Atwell, has been named a finalist for the Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 Michigan and Northwest Ohio program.

Now in its 41st year, Entrepreneur of the Year is one of the most respected programs recognizing leaders who drive meaningful change through innovation, growth, and leadership. An independent panel of judges selects finalists based on their entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, company growth, and lasting impact in building long-term value.

Matthew’s leadership continues to guide our growth, strengthen our culture, and shape how we serve clients across the country. We’re honored to see him recognized among a strong group of leaders in Michigan and Northwest Ohio.

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Investment will support the continued growth of an engineering services market leader

Southfield, MI, and Boston, MA, March 27, 2026 — Advent International (“Advent”), a leading global private equity investor, today announced that it has agreed, in partnership with management, to make a significant investment in Atwell, LLC (“Atwell” or the “Company”), a leading provider of engineering, consulting, and construction services to critical infrastructure in the United States. Advent’s investment will help accelerate the Company’s future growth ambitions, benefitting customers and creating opportunities for the Company’s 2,000 professionals.

Founded in 1905 and headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, Atwell brings a longstanding legacy of technical expertise and quality service delivery to a nationwide customer base across Power & Energy, Community Development, and Commercial & Digital Infrastructure. The Company is recognized as a leading employer in the industry with an award-winning culture.

Advent will partner with the existing Atwell management team to support the Company’s next phase of growth. Together, the parties plan to build on Atwell’s strength by investing in talent and technology, expanding geographic reach, and growing service capabilities. The investment will also support Atwell’s team members by enabling expanded investment in corporate services, digital platforms, and operational infrastructure designed to enhance collaboration, efficiency, and project delivery across the organization.

“Atwell has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality engineering and consulting solutions to clients across the U.S.,” said Jason Karl, Managing Director at Advent International. “We believe the Company is exceptionally well positioned to benefit from long-term growth drivers such as infrastructure investment, energy transition tailwinds, and an underbuilt housing market. We look forward to partnering with the talented Atwell team to help accelerate growth and expand the platform to even more areas throughout the country.”

“Atwell’s growth has always been driven by our people and their commitment to delivering exceptional results for our clients and communities,” said Matthew Bissett, President and Chief Executive Officer of Atwell. “We believe Advent’s global resources, deep sector expertise, and track record of supporting growth-oriented businesses make them an ideal partner for Atwell. With their support, we are excited to continue investing in our people, innovation, and capabilities while delivering even greater value to our clients.”

This investment brings together Advent’s deep experience investing across the professional services and industrials sectors. Since 2020, the firm has invested over $8 billion in 22 business and financial services companies and over $12 billion in 14 industrials companies across a wide range of sub-sectors as of December 31, 2025. Prior relevant investments include Culligan International, Fisher Investments, Heidrick & Struggles, Imperial Dade, LayerZero Power Systems, and Nuvei Corporation.

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.

Advisors

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is serving as legal counsel to Atwell. Morrissey Goodale LLC is serving as a strategic advisor to the Company. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is serving as legal counsel to Advent.

About Atwell

Atwell, LLC is a full-service consulting, engineering, and construction services firm delivering innovative solutions for clients in community development, commercial, digital infrastructure, power and hydrocarbon markets. The Company provides a comprehensive range of services including planning and entitlement, land and right-of-way solutions, surveying, engineering, environmental consulting, GIS and mapping, and construction management. Founded in 1905 and headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, Atwell supports clients across the United States through a multidisciplinary platform designed to advance complex infrastructure and development projects.

About Advent International

Advent is a leading global private equity investor committed to working in partnership with management teams, entrepreneurs, and founders to help transform businesses. With 16 offices across five continents, Advent oversees more than USD $102 billion in assets under management* and have made 448 investments across 44 countries.

Since Advent’s founding in 1984, they have developed specialist market expertise across their five core sectors: business & financial services, consumer, healthcare, industrial, and technology. This approach is bolstered by their deep sub-sector knowledge, which informs every aspect of Advent’s investment strategy, from sourcing opportunities to working in partnership with management to execute value creation plans. Advent brings hands-on operational expertise to enhance and accelerate businesses.

As one of the largest privately-owned partnerships, their 655 colleagues leverage the full ecosystem of Advent’s global resources, including their Portfolio Support Group, insights provided by industry expert Operating Partners and Operations Advisors, as well as bespoke tools to support and guide portfolio companies as they seek to achieve their strategic goals.

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We’re excited to share that Tim Miller, PE, has joined Atwell as an Associate Director. Tim is an experienced process engineer with more than 18 years in the oil and gas industry. His career includes significant expertise in upstream and midstream facility design from conceptual to detailed design, commissioning, process hazard analysis (PHA), and construction support.

Miller has completed design projects, PHA reviews, and facility commissioning spanning all facets of the upstream and midstream oil and gas industry, including compressor stations, gas processing facilities, central delivery point facilities, well pad design, and saltwater disposal facilities. He has also had the opportunity to expand his range of experience to work on some projects that include wastewater treatment and renewable natural gas. His range expands Atwell’s capability to support clients in effectively addressing their design needs.

In addition to his professional role, Miller is active within the industry, serving as an executive board member for the GPA Midstream Rocky Mountain Chapter.

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Aug. 26, 2025 (Southfield, MI) – Atwell, a leader in creating solutions for the built environment, is pleased to announce the largest-ever acquisition in its 120-year history: Manhard Consulting, a nearly 400-person, nationally recognized engineering and surveying firm headquartered in Lincolnshire, Illinois. The acquisition will strengthen Atwell’s footprint in key regional markets, including Illinois, Colorado, and Texas, while expanding into new markets, including Tennessee and Nevada. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

With this acquisition, Atwell’s headcount has grown to more than 2,100 employees. This strategic move enhances capabilities and expertise in all three of Atwell’s core markets – land development, power and energy, and hydrocarbons. Both firms were recently ranked by ENR among the 500 largest design firms in the U.S., with Atwell ranking at No. 70 and Manhard Consulting at No. 329.

“Manhard is known for its innovation, technological excellence, and commitment to clients and employees, and we’re excited to welcome them into the Atwell Family,” stated Matthew C. Bissett, President at Atwell. “We see this acquisition as a catalyst for growth across both companies. We’ll both be able to expand our geographic presence, enhance our collective skill set, and deliver increased value to our clients.”

With a history that dates back to 1972, Manhard has grown to hundreds of employees across 14 offices who are dedicated to a robust client base nationwide. The firm’s key services include engineering, surveying, project management, landscape architecture, land planning, water resource management, and construction management. Additionally, Manhard has received numerous accolades from entities such as ENR, the American Public Works Association, Crain’s Chicago Business, and NAIOP.

Donald E. Manhard, CEO of Manhard Consulting, commented, “Atwell is a business of talented professionals who are dedicated to their clients and excel at creative problem-solving—qualities we share at Manhard. This is an ideal opportunity to combine our similar values, team expertise, and cultures to deliver more growth opportunities for our staff and stronger service offerings to current and new clients from coast to coast.”

This is Atwell’s fifth acquisition in 2025, following the acquisitions of Washington-based Centurion Power, North Carolina-based Capital Civil Engineering, Arizona-based Terrascape Consulting, and Georgia-based SEI Engineering.

Atwell, LLC is a national consulting, engineering, and construction services firm with more than 2,100 professionals. Creating innovative solutions for clients in industries such as real estate and land development, power and energy, hydrocarbons, and infrastructure, Atwell provides comprehensive turnkey services including land and right-of-way support, planning, landscape architecture, engineering, land surveying, environmental compliance and permitting, natural resources consulting, and project and program management.

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